As more members of the Baby Boom generation slowly dip into retirement, those that own small businesses will be looking to sell. The number of business for sale is expected to increase quite a bit as the retirement rate does, and more and more Baby Boomers are turning 65 and older. If you are looking into how to start a business, look no further than an existing one that you can improve with your leadership.

But make no mistake: This is a serious process. You have got to do your homework if you ever want to be able to survive in the marketplace. So, with that in mind, here are five things that will tell you what to look for when buying a business.

1. What is a business broker?

Just like real estate brokers help you scout potential new home locations, business brokers show you different business commercial property for sale. These brokers will look at your financial standings and see what the potential return on investment would be for you to get involved with a new company. Business brokers can also help you determine the price of the target business, which is usually anywhere from one to four times its current earning level.

2. Being your own boss

When you purchase a business, you are essentially becoming your own boss. That duty comes with plenty of additional responsibility, so make sure you consider what it means. Learning how to start a business also means learning who can run ship when you are away on vacation. A good way to find out about any potential problems down the line is to ask the sellers themselves before you buy.

3. Why are they selling?

Figuring out how to start a business requires you to probe deeper than just what is on the surface. Ask the current owners why they are selling their business. You might hear the usual reasons (retirement, health reasons, other opportunities), but you will want to make sure there is nothing lurking above suspicion.

4. Planning for the future

Are you buying a small shop? If so, you run the risk of being run out of business by a large-market “big box” competitor sometime in the future. To get a better grip on how to start a business, ask around. This goes back to digging past the surface, and you can even call these big box stores directly and ask if they plan to expand in your area.

Knowing how to start a business the right way can help save you plenty of trouble in the future. The best resources you can find during this process are business brokers and also attorneys who specialize in this area. Soon you will know everything you need to know about how to start a business. Good luck! More on this topic.